Relapse Prevention

Despite evidence piling up that addiction is a disease, several people still believe that it is a choice. A large majority of these people are people who have been touched by addiction, such as those who had addicted parents while growing up. It is easy to think that addiction is a choice when watching someone continue to do something that they know brings such consequence, as it feels incredibly personal and hurtful. However, addiction is far from a choice, rather it is a disease that is impacting millions of Americans today.

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain. Those who struggle with addiction are battling against environmental, biological, and genetic factors that cause them to compulsively abuse drugs and/or alcohol despite the repercussions. For some, the development of their addiction has been caused by a childhood filled with a number of traumatic events, while for others, they simply inherited certain traits from their predecessors that cause them to be unable to control their substance abuse. Some even experience biological issues that trigger their addictions. However the addiction begins, it is important that everyone who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol know that there is help available.

Obtaining professional addiction treatment is the best and most effective way to treat addiction. This is a mental health condition that can be treated just like any other disease, such as cancer. Through treatment, those who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol will be able to participate in services including detox and therapy based on their own personal treatment needs. And, while in a residential, intensive outpatient, or outpatient program, individuals can get the chance to develop strong relapse prevention skills.

Relapse Prevention Skills

A part of the disease of addiction is that those who have it can relapse. A relapse occurs when an individual goes back to using after having been sober for a period of time with the intent to stay sober. It is similar to those who have diabetes but who maybe do not stay on top of their diet and experience a relapse as a result. Instead, when someone with an addiction relapses, it often takes a great deal of work to get back on track.

Everyone who is recovering from an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol should always be prepared for the potential of relapsing, as it is simply a reality of this disease. Some people go their whole lives without relapsing, while others relapse multiple times. No matter if a relapse occurs or not, it is imperative to develop strong relapse prevention skills.

Treatment centers at all levels will provide an addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee. Through relapse prevention, clients will learn how to stop a relapse from occurring. Some of the most common relapse prevention skills that are taught and put into motion include the following:

Identify triggers – Know what has the potential to trigger the onset of a relapse

Handle cravings – Establish plans to help navigate cravings when they set in

Practice self-care – Take care of oneself by getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, and participating in things that one enjoys

Avoid temptations – No longer hanging around with people who abuse substances or going to places where substances are being abused

Establish support – Attend local support group meetings like AA or NA

These are the baseline for relapse prevention skills, however, there are countless ways to ensure that relapse does not occur, or even if it does, what to do.

Benefits of Relapse Prevention Skills

An addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee works to help everyone in recovery learn how to keep themselves on the road to recovery. This can be extremely challenging at times, however, having the right tools in one’s toolbox can help make those challenging times a little less difficult.

When someone has established a set of relapse prevention skills, he or she can benefit significantly. An addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee does not only teach clients what these skills are but also teaches them how to implement them for the most benefit. These benefits can include the following:

Being in control – When addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, individuals are unable to be in control. However, an addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee shows clients how to regain that control through the use of their skills. For example, a client who is in control is able to walk away from someone or something that is triggering them to use.

Improving upon oneself – an addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee encourages clients to continually evaluate what their recovery needs are so that they are always ready to prevent relapse. This includes continuing to identify triggers, staying connected to a support system, and taking a self-inventory to ensure that the skills they have in their arsenal are still most effective for them.

Having permission to put recovery first – an addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee shows clients that they are allowed to do whatever it takes to put their recovery first. For those who have been abusing drugs and/or alcohol for a while, this might seem like a foreign concept. However, once implemented into one’s life, recovering users can feel empowered to do things such as remove toxicity out of their lives and set their schedules in a manner that suits their needs.

Overall, the greatest benefit of our addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee is the end result of avoiding a relapse. However, if a relapse occurs, it is not a sign of failure. With the right skills put in place, it can be easy to get back on track before things become out of hand.

If you are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, seeking treatment is the most important thing that you can do for yourself. Allowing yourself to continue to abuse addictive substances only hurts you in the long run. So, do not put this off any longer. Reach out for help right now. Services like JourneyPure’s addiction therapy relapse prevention program in Athens Tennessee can help you develop a solid footing in recovery. Call right now.

Get the best treatment for yourself or a loved one.

About JourneyPure

We are committed to treat patients as we would want to be treated. We integrate innovative therapies, wellness strategies, and technological tools into a lifelong support system with treatment that focuses on a full continuum of care. We are committed to offering the best clinical care to everyone we serve.

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JourneyPure Athens is located in such a way that we serve many locations around Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina. Our main goal is to be able to provide care for as many people in need as we possibly can. Check out the locations that we serve.